Dear romance writers, 💋
Sugar Shack Books, the new traditional published romance imprint of Pownal Street Press, is opening its doors to manuscript submissions by Canadian writers this November 1-30, 2025.
We’re seeking heartfelt love stories set against Canadian landscapes and experiences — tales that celebrate connection, community, and happily-ever-afters. From small-town cafés to windswept coastlines, we want stories where romance feels rooted, real, and resonant.
Whether your story is sweet, slow-burning, or deliciously spicy, every Sugar Shack romance should be poured with warmth — just like maple syrup.
We welcome submissions from both emerging and established authors in the romance genre whose work reflects inclusivity, emotional depth, and a sense of place.
How spicy is spicy?
Check out our Maple Syrup Heat Ratings:
🍁 Sweet – Drizzle of Syrup. Tender, heartfelt romance with closed-door intimacy. Cozy, wholesome, and full of Canadian charm. Think Hallmark vibes.
🍁🍁 Warm – Gentle Pour. Romance with a touch of spice. Sweet kisses and light intimacy on the page. Emotional connection remains the focus.
🍁🍁🍁 Steamy – Golden Flow. Romance with open-door passion. Sensual and descriptive, but balanced with strong storytelling and heart.
🍁🍁🍁🍁 Spicy – Full Pour. Bold, sizzling romance with detailed on-page intimacy. Steamy Canadian love stories that turn up the heat.
Come warm up the winter with us — send us your story of love, belonging, and a little bit of maple magic.
Traditional Submission Window: November 1–30, 2025
What We’re Looking For: Completed romance novels (60,000–90,000 words) featuring authentic characters, strong emotional arcs, and a satisfying resolution. Manuscripts must feature a Canadian component.
How to Submit: Send the first 40-60 pages of your completed work to hello@pownalstreetpress.com, with the subject line “Sugar Shack” + the Maple Sugar Heat Rating. For example, Roundabout Town — 🍁🍁🍁
✅ DO:
- Send a cover letter and tell us why you’re a fit
- Make it clear why this book belongs on the Pownal Street Press list and why now is the time to publish it.
- Use Industry-Standard Formatting (Microsoft Word document, 12 pt font, double-spaced, file name format: Lastname_Title_2025)
- Share your social media and marketing ideas for your title
- Make sure your submission is clean, edited, and ready to represent your best work.
- Check Submission Dates. Submissions are open until November 30, 2025. Late or early submissions will not be reviewed for this cycle.
❌ DON’T:
- We’re not accepting fantasy or science fiction
- Send unpolished drafts
- Send without contact info or paste your work in the body of the email.
- Include your full name, email address, and social media/website if relevant.
- Forget the Subject Line (see above)
🕰️ Deadline: November 30, 2025
Due to the high volume of submissions, Sugar Shack editors are unable to respond to every query. Only manuscripts selected for further consideration will receive a reply.
Pownal Street Press is PEI’s newest publishing house. Women-owned and women-led, friendly, warm and professional: We exist to give rise to brave stories, and to be a light for community and connection. With distribution through Raincoast Books (Canada) and Orca Books (US), Pownal Street Press’ titles have national reach but local heart. For more information about the Press and its books, please visit: www.pownalstreetpress.com.